Blog Post  The Sport of Scamming

From the MLB postseason to college football to the NFL to the approaching NBA season, it is a great time of year for sports.  Before gearing up for this busy sports season with tickets and new apparel, make sure you are using reliable retailers to avoid getting scammed.

While official team sites or venues are the most reliable ticket retailer, the secondary resale market offers a variety of options for fans looking for tickets. If you decide to look for resale tickets, look for secure sites that have an authenticity guarantee and read the Service or User agreements. The Better Business Bureau recommends some secondary resellers that ensure secure transactions. It’s also recommend that consumers read reviews of their services to see if other consumers had any issues with getting their tickets.

If you are shopping for apparel anywhere other than on the official team website, you have to be careful about which websites you visit. Research individual online companies before selecting one to buy from. Look for reviews of the company to make sure other consumers received official apparel for the price they paid. Some red flags of an unreliable retailer are if they have no phone number to contact them publicized on their website or if they advertise unbelievably low prices. While it is smart to look for good deals, don’t get sucked into a scam just because the price is attractive.  Be sure to also check the retailer’s website so that you fully understand their return/refund policy.

Some sporting events mark the sign of spring but it’s important your excitement for warmer days doesn’t cloud your judgement.  Taking a few extra minutes to know who you are buying from and what recourse you have should something go wrong can help ensure you’re getting what you pay for. And remember, use a credit card when possible. Credit cards provide some protections should you need to dispute the charge. This is made more difficult with money transferring apps, checks, money orders, wire transfers, or cash.